Mary Hagen lives in a small town in Ohio and goes to Jordon Junior College. For years, there have been whispers, rumors and gossip about who her real parents are. After Tom Bates returns to town, he takes over the house and practice that Judge Merrivale left him following his death. As Tom has been away a number of years, this leads to more gossip and Mary believes that he is her father. The popular and rich Ken loves Mary, but his family and friends constantly remind him that she is 'not one of us'. Julia, a teacher at school encourages Mary but Mary cannot get a break in anything she does, or is accused of doing. Tom knows the answer to her true identity, and he is silent.